India is a leader in the medical tourism industry with its robust and quality healthcare infrastructure. Thousands of international patients travel to India for a wide variety of healthcare services, including complex surgical procedures, comprehensive cancer care and modern wellness. The major attraction points of every top Indian hospital is top-notch patient care at immensely competitive costs. This article discusses “how to choose” in the context of some of the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India.
When does someone need to undergo a brain tumor surgery?
The decision on a brain tumor surgery is taken based on the type, size, location, and impact on overall health of the patient. This is a complex surgical intervention. Some of the key scenarios when brain tumor surgery might be deemed necessary at any of the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India are as follow:
Removing or resizing the tumor
- Cancerous tumors: Such conditions get the highest priority in removing as much of the tumor as possible. It becomes even more necessary if it is a fast-growing tumor.
- Non-cancerous tumors: Surgery is still necessary but can be delayed based on size and allied health conditions it creates, like headaches, or seizures, or an increase in intracranial pressure.
As part of a diagnostic procedure for tumor biopsy
- Sometimes, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) is necessary to determine the type of tumor and guide treatment decisions.
Facilitating other treatments
- Surgery can also be necessary for radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Besides, even for many benign tumors, surgery may be the primary or most effective treatment if it is a localized and accessible tumor.
Factors Influencing the decision:
- Tumor location: if the tumor site is in hard-to-reach, sensitive areas, like critical blood vessels, and nerve points, doctors may avoid conventional surgeries.
- Patient’s Health: Diagnosis of other medical conditions may also make surgically removing the tumor difficult.
- Outcomes: If a tumor is non-cancerous and is not causing any trouble to surrounding tissues, many of the best brain tumor surgery doctors in India may avoid removing it considering the allied risks.
So, many international patients consult the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India for diagnostic imaging (like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans) and analysis of their conditions. Usually, at these hospitals, a team of neurosurgeons and oncologists evaluate benefits and risks for each patient before making a decision on surgery.
5 characteristics of the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India
Are you looking for one of the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India and other medical tourism destinations? Our 5-pointer checklist will help you evaluate the options better.
Expert, experienced, and regularly trained medical team
- Neurosurgeons: Any top hospital should have a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons with extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience in brain tumor diagnosis and surgeries.
- Multidisciplinary team: The team handling complex brain surgery procedures should collaborate with oncologists, neurologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
- Volume of treatments: Any of the best hospitals should have a track record of performing a high number of brain tumor surgeries with positive outcomes.
Advanced technology and treatment facilities
- The latest in equipment: Access to technologies like intraoperative MRI, CT, and navigation systems to ensure precision during surgery.
- Robotic arm (minimally invasive) OT: Expertise in advanced techniques like endoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries for faster recovery and reduced risk.
- Radiation and chemotherapy facilities: Integrated treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) for non-invasive care when needed.
Joint Commission International (JCI) standard patient care (accreditation)
- Personalized treatments: Tailored approaches to match the tumor type, patient’s condition, and goals.
- Post-treatment assisted rehabilitation: Post-surgery support, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
- Psychological counseling: Services to address emotional and mental well-being for patients and their families.
- Accreditation: Certifications from recognized organizations like the JCI or national neurosurgical associations.
Strong focus on research and development
- Access to clinical trials of advanced therapies: The hospital should offer participation in cutting-edge clinical trials for new treatments.
- Participation in ongoing research areas: A focus on research ensures the hospital stays at the forefront of medical advancements in brain tumor care.
- Publications and accolades: Evidence of contributions to scientific literature and recognition in the field of neurosurgery.
Documented successful track record
- Survival rates and outcomes: Transparent data on success rates and patient satisfaction.
- Reputation: High rankings in national or international hospital surveys for neurology and neurosurgery.
Bottomline
When looking for the best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India, international patients also consider a hospital’s proximity to affordable accommodations, round-the-clock transport, and other urban facilities. Consult with multiple hospitals for their views and treatment options and negotiate costs for more affordable treatment opportunities. As an international patient, you can also contact medical tourism consultancy companies for a detailed understanding of the options and professional guidance.
